Saturday's matchup: Texas A&M at Alabama

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron celebrates after the extra point for the go-ahead touchdown against LSU late in the fourth quarter. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Photo)

TV/radio: 2:30 p.m. Saturday; WBBM-Ch.2,

The line: Alabama by 131/2.

Records: Texas A&M 7-2, 4-2 SEC; Alabama 9-0, 6-0.

Last meeting: Alabama won 30-10 on Dec. 1, 1988, in College Station.

ON THE OFFENSIVE: Alabama's AJ McCarron is the nation's third most efficient QB, but he doesn't thrill fans like A&M's Johnny Manziel, who totaled 440 rushing/passing yards Saturday at Mississippi State.

GETTING DEFENSIVE: Since giving up 57 points to Louisiana Tech — in a victory (!) — the Aggies have looked sharp on "D." They will have to be against running back T.J. Yeldon, who scored the game-winner at LSU on a screen pass.

THE NUMBER: 1. Alabama is the clear-cut No. 1 in the BCS rankings, so fellow undefeateds Notre Dame, Kansas State and Oregon will root for a loss.

THE TALK: Alabama coach Nick Saban appeared to criticize A&M's fast-tempo, no-huddle offense in October by saying, "Is this what we want football to be?" Saban claimed that was misinterpreted.

TEDDY GREENSTEIN'S PICK: After surviving Death Valley, the Crimson Tide will get another major challenge.